‘I’ll stop by the office.’ Tom pushed his chair back and joined her to walk back out to the porch.
‘Look after yourself.’ She pulled him into a tight hug before letting go and fixing him with her fiercest stare. ‘Just so we’re clear if I don’t hear about an improvement in your non-existent social life in the next couple of months I’ll break my promise too.’
He should have known better than to think he could pull one over on his mother.
‘I don’t want to hear you’ve slept with any tramp either.’
Tom was struck dumb.
‘You might try being friendly to the pretty girl your Daddy told me about – the photographer lady. She sounds perfect to practice your rusty charms on.’
Before he could protest she hopped into her car and with a blast of her horn left him alone to stew.
Chapter Eleven
Fee pushed away the plate of uneaten fruit and wholegrain toast. She was supposed to have small, frequent meals but her stomach churned at the idea of eating.
What would have happened last night if the new guest hadn’t appeared? The question wasn’t really a question because it was obvious. Their first kiss lit her up from head to toe and going by Tom’s response it’d had the same effect on him. His late wife hadn’t been on his mind then which would annoy him no end today.
Honourable, loyal men were a mystery. None of her mother’s transient boyfriends fitted the bill and the men she’d worked with were usually loners like her, or serial cheaters who believed what happened on the road stayed there. Tom had made a promise to one woman and was determined not to break it for the rest of his life.
She popped a grape into her mouth and thought some more. From the moment she set eyes on Tom she’d been drawn to his quiet, laidback strength but the more layers she unpeeled the more fascinated she became. He was the opposite of urbane, sophisticated Pierre with his flexible morals and world-weary manner. Doctor Michael’s theory was that she’d been searching for lasting love all her life and when smooth-tongued Pierre told her what she wanted to hear she’d refused to listen when other people warned her off him. No one ever mentioned a wife and child either because they genuinely didn’t know or perhaps didn’t consider it their business to tell her.
Absentmindedly, Fee spread low-sugar strawberry jam on her toast and took a big bite. Tracking down Mary-Jo was first on her to-do list for the day. The chatty girl could be a goldmine of information about Gina, and she needed to find out more about the woman Tom had loved.
There was no need to cut more wood but Tom didn’t know any more satisfying way of burning off the mixture of anger, frustration and flat-out resentment surging through his body. With the first swing of the axe he demolished his mother’s argument. He should have asked her whether she’d jump into bed with the first man who asked if his father suddenly died. The fact he’d be smacked from one end of the house to the other as soon as the words left his mouth was irrelevant. She was still wrong. So what if he was lonely? Lonely was better than dishonest.
Dishonest? Who’s the dishonest one? You wanted Fee last night and don’t deny it.
Honesty was both his strength and his failing because it left him nowhere to hide.
Tom swung the axe again and hit the sweet spot on the log, the perfect place for it to split right down the middle. He refused to think any more until he was dripping with sweat and a massive pile of wood was stacked up neatly against the side of the shed.
From now on he’d treat Fee Winter the same way as every other guest. He might give his brothers a call and see if they were up for a few beers later to get him out of temptation’s way for a few hours. He collected the shirt he’d abandoned and trailed back into the house. Tom opened the fridge and reached for his aluminium water bottle but it wasn’t there. He checked the other shelves and on the door in case he’d set it in the wrong place. Slamming the door shut he grabbed a glass from the cabinet and filled it with cold water from the tap. Tom gulped it down before getting a refill and then opened the cinnamon rolls his mother had left behind. He blinked at the empty box. She’d brought four and they’d eaten one each which even with his debatable math skills left two. Fee’s disappearing sandwich ran through his mind before he remembered the Waters’ children. Quentin came by earlier to complain about the poor quality of the kitchen utensils and the kids raced off through his house before their father corralled them. He could hardly accuse guests of stealing his food especially when they were already dissatisfied. Waters would no doubt insist on calling the police and Tom’s father was mad enough with him already without adding fuel to the fire.
He’d save his appetite for lunch. Today’s special was meatloaf and could be his reward after he’d grovelled to his father.
The joy came back, one shot at a time, and Fee’s stomach loosened and relaxed. Back in the cabin she popped the photo card out of her camera and into her laptop to watch a slideshow of the pictures she’d taken around the lake over the last couple of hours.
There were several gorgeous shots of the sun filtering in through the trees. Close-ups of plants she couldn’t recognise but would research later. Best of all was a whole series of the same deer who’d returned to see her. Maybe that was a fanciful idea but for once she wanted to believe the unlikely. Its coy almost flirtatious expression as it met her gaze without blinking was priceless.
She checked her watch and realised it was well into lunchtime at the Mockingbird Cafe. She’d wait and go down later for a drink because the last thing she needed was to bump into Tom. Around two o’clock should work and while she was there she’d ask Ina when Mary-Jo would be back from Knoxville. If she had time to spare she could check out the ice cream shop as well and meet Ina’s other daughter.
She lost herself in editing her new photos and the time flew by. Fee backed up her files to her USB drive and closed down her computer, but instead of leaving the laptop out she took it into her bedroom and hid it under the folded jumpers in her drawer.
Now she was ready for her fishing expedition.
Fee had skipped lunch so her idea of compromise was to order a slice of cake but only drink water. At the first forkful of soft white sponge topped with whipped cream and fresh coconut she tumbled head over heels in love.
‘Are you enjoying that?’ Ina asked.
‘It’s wonderful. Absolutely divine.’ There was no need to lie to gain the other woman’s approval. ‘I was hoping to see Mary-Jo again. Will she be in soon?’
Ina glanced up at the clock. ‘She hoped to be back in time to get Lulu from day-care at four. If she’s early I’m sure she’ll pop in here first for something to eat.’
‘Do you mind if I check my emails while I wait for her?’
‘Go ahead, honey. Let me know if you need anything else.’ Ina smiled and bustled away to see to a couple of new customers.
‘Hey, Aunt Ina. Did I leave my …’
Fee saw Tom, his face pale and strained, filling the doorway. After several long, dragged out seconds he blinked and focused his attention back on his aunt.
‘My phone. I think I left it here earlier. Did you find it?’
‘Sure did.’ Ina fumbled in the pocket of her red gingham apron and held it out to him. ‘I was goin’ to give it to Ms Winter here if you didn’t come back.’
A slow, heated blush crept up his neck colouring the thin strip of pale skin exposed by a brutally short, fresh haircut. Fee missed the gentle waves usually brushing the collar of his shirt. ‘That would’ve been fine,’ she interrupted, forcing him to speak to her. Tom grunted something she guessed might be “thanks” and in return she flashed him one of her sweetest smiles.
‘Better be going, I’ve got work to do.’ He kissed Ina, gave a vague nod in her direction and strode out of the cafe, slamming the door behind him.
‘I thought his mama sorted him out this morning but seems to me he’s as antsy as ever,’ Ina declared with a loud sniff.
‘Mr Chambers appears to be a little distracted
.’
‘Hmm. That’s one way to put it.’
Fee didn’t press and at that moment Mary-Jo hurried in.
‘I’m starving, Mama. Fix me something quick before I go pick up the monster, please. Pretty please.’ She flung her arms around her mother’s neck and kissed her. ‘Oh, Fee, there you are. Great. We can have a chat. I’ll come and sit with you while my sweet mama gets me a plate of food before I pass out.’
Anyone less likely to faint from a lack of nourishment Fee hadn’t seen recently. Everything about the girl sparkled, from her glossy reddish gold curls to her 50s style yellow and white polka dot dress and shiny yellow kitten heels. Fee longed to take out her camera but restrained herself. She gestured towards the nearest chair and smiled. ‘I could do with some company.’
Ina set down a plate in front of Mary-Jo. ‘Chicken salad, grapes and chips, okay?’
‘Yep, perfect. I promised Lulu we’d get ice cream from Suzy-Beth’s today.’ She looked back at Fee. ‘I bet you haven’t been to Sweet Scoops yet, have you?’
She shook her head, deciding not to mention the fact she wasn’t supposed to eat too many sweet, high-fat foods. Finding out more about Tom should be worth a little minor discomfort.
‘I apologise for my daughter’s bad manners.’
‘What’s wrong?’
‘You didn’t ask the poor girl. She might have other plans. She’s on vacation,’ Ina declared, folding her arms across her ample chest.
Vacation? Not exactly. ‘I’d love to join you and thanks for the offer.’
‘See.’ Mary-Jo gave a satisfied grin and dug into her delayed lunch. ‘Excuse me pigging out but I haven’t eaten since breakfast and Lulu will throw a tantrum if I’m late. Typical redhead!’
Her laughter was infectious and Fee couldn’t help joining in until they both received despairing head shakes from Ina.
‘Thanks, Mama. We’re goin’ to get off now.’
‘Have you got something to feed the poor child later?’
Mary-Jo rolled her eyes. ‘Yeah, we’ve still got half of the beef stew you gave me yesterday plus leftover chicken pot pie from the day before. We won’t starve. I’ll see you in the morning. Come on, Fee. We need to hurry.’
She closed down her laptop and packed it away. ‘Where is the day-care?’
‘One block over. We’ll walk.’
Being dragged along in Mary-Jo’s wake was a new experience for Fee. Everyone they passed greeted the young woman with a smile and asked how Lulu was doing. Somehow she managed to smile and answer them all while walking.
‘Do you know everyone in town?’ Fee asked.
‘Pretty much. Between Sheriff Hank, Mama, Suzy-Beth, her husband Joe, Tom and his brothers, we’ve got the place covered. Then there’s Lulu’s Daddy’s family – they’re big shots around here. I guess it’s the same where you come from?’
She shrugged, not sure how to answer.
‘Is that a yes or no?’ Mary-Jo persisted.
‘I’m not really from anywhere in particular.’ Mary-Jo stared at Fee as if she’d grown a second head. ‘I was born in London but we moved around a lot when I was growing up and since then I’ve travelled non-stop with my job.’ She plastered on a bright smile. ‘I’m a free spirit with no desire to be tied down.’
‘Sounds lonely to me, but everyone to their own I guess. I’d like to travel some but can’t imagine not having Pine Ridge to come back to.’
Fee’s throat tightened around the tears she refused to shed. Pierre had dangled the promise of a regular life in front of her before snatching it away again. A sudden trickle of panic seeped through her. Was she using her undeniable attraction to Tom to create something which wasn’t there and never would be where she was concerned? Everyone wasn’t suited to a so-called “normal” life. Wasn’t it better she accepted it now rather than screw him up alongside her?
‘Hey, we’re here. Are you okay?’
Fee dragged out a smile. Thank goodness she’d seen sense before she made even more of a fool of herself. If Tom wanted to mourn Gina the rest of his life it was nobody’s business but his. She’d stay well clear of him and concentrate on herself and getting better. In a few weeks she’d leave and her Tennessee idyll would be over. ‘I’m fine.’ Impulsively she gave the girl a hug. ‘Thanks.’
‘What for?’ Mary-Jo frowned.
‘Helping.’ She didn’t explain and her companion didn’t ask but Fee wasn’t stupid enough to think it’d be the last time she’d hear about this.
Chapter Twelve
Burrowed into an easy chair at the back of the small library, Tom lost himself in researching the Chambers’ family history. If he needed to take his mind off everything else going on in his life this always worked and was one of the few reasons he regretted not having internet coverage at Black Cherry.
Fee’s swift, cool appraisal of him at the cafe and the tiny, knowing smile lingering around her lush mouth had shaken him. The damn woman could have made a polite, friendly comment to put him at ease but instead held her tongue and let him imagine what was going through her mind.
He only had ten minutes left before the library closed at five o’clock but the florist next door didn’t shut for another half hour so he had plenty of time. His brothers wouldn’t be free from jobs, wives and children until at least eight so he had several hours to himself. Tom packed his laptop in the bag and went to buy a bunch of flowers. Outside the cemetery he parked and fetched the cleaning supplies he kept in the bed of his truck then tramped across the damp grass. Because he came so often Gina’s grave never got dirty, but he tried to keep it perfect. He’d failed her enough in life without neglecting her now too. Tom brushed off a small amount of lichen before working at the last stubborn piece with the rounded edge of a popsicle stick. Pouring water from a gallon container into a small bucket he carefully scrubbed from the bottom of the stone upwards, rinsing his brush frequently and changing the water when it got dirty.
‘There, that’s better, sweetheart,’ he murmured. Tom dried the surface gently with a soft cloth and ran his fingers over the simple inscription – her name, the too-short dates of her life and the simple, guilt-laden words he’d chosen “Beloved Wife of Tom”. Kneeling in the dirt he leaned back on his heels and reached for the large bunch of chrysanthemums he’d set down while he worked. Gina loved all the rich fall colours and she’d insisted they marry in October. The red and gold shades set off her dark hair and creamy skin to perfection and she’d been a beautiful bride. Eighteen years ago today.
Tom struggled to arrange the large, floppy blooms in the container sure Gina was watching him from somewhere and smiling. ‘It’s the best I can do. I’m sorry.’ There was so much he was sorry for, not least of which were his new and unwelcome feelings for Fee. He stood back up and stretched his aching knees. When he’d cleared everything away he pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted his brothers to cancel their evening together. Why he’d suggested they got together today of all days was downright crazy and only proved Fee had jumbled up his brain. Tom turned the phone back off so he wouldn’t see their replies.
Company was the last thing he needed tonight.
An hour later he was settled out on his porch with the wedding album Gina had spent many long winter evenings putting together open on his lap and a mug of coffee on the table next to his right arm. The sound of vehicles crunching along the gravel road startled him and Sandy’s black truck came to a stop in front of the cabin followed close behind by Mikey’s blue minivan.
‘Hey, little brother.’ Sandy leapt out and stepped onto the porch, his heavy leather boots clunking on the bare boards. He set down the cooler in his hand and opened the lid. ‘Get this down you.’ He popped the top on a can of beer and thrust it at Tom.
‘I don’t—’
‘Drink, or we’ll pour it down you.’ Mikey brandished a couple of pizza boxes and made a grab for the beer. ‘We brought food and we’re staying the night with full permission of the ladies.’<
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Tom reluctantly closed the album and laid it back on the table. He took the beer from Sandy’s outstretched hand.
‘We told Mama about your message and she remembered the date. We knew you’d be—’
‘Grieving?’ Tom snapped. ‘What’s damn well wrong with that? Gina was my wife.’ Tears pressed at his eyes and he blinked to push them away.
Sandy rested a comforting hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s not wrong, bro. We didn’t want you to be alone, that’s all.’
Tom jerked away and walked across the porch to lean against one of the wood posts. ‘I appreciate it, okay, but when you go home to your families I’ll still be here.’ A glance flitted between his brothers. ‘Mama sent you to turn the screws, didn’t she? Could her timing be any worse?’
‘Hey, sit down, and take it easy.’ Mikey stuck his oar in. ‘I’m goin’ to throw the pizzas in the oven to warm.’
‘Fine,’ Tom grouched. ‘I guess I’m not gettin’ rid of you both anytime soon.’ He sat down as Mikey reappeared.
‘Smart, isn’t he?’ Sandy jibed and they both tossed him the annoying older brother smiles he’d suffered all his life.
Deep down Tom was glad to see them. His own company was lousy at the best of times and this was the absolute worst day of the year to get through. ‘What’ve you been up to?’ he asked Sandy. He rested one foot up on his other leg and half-listened to his brother complain about work.
In the middle of a long, convoluted tale about a bank robbery that went wrong and the man they suspected of being responsible but couldn’t get enough evidence to charge, Sandy stopped and gave him a piercing stare. ‘You’re a sneaky devil.’
‘I’m not a complete moron.’ Tom grinned. ‘Mama sent you to find out how I’m doin’, man-to-man, right?’
‘Maybe.’
He took a long, cold swallow of beer and scrutinised his brother. Not many people could put one over on Sandy, a twenty-year veteran detective, and it’d be foolish of him to try.
‘It’s up to you, bro. I’m simply following instructions,’ Sandy declared. ‘You wanna tell me to piss off it’s no skin off my nose. I’ll report your answer back minus the cuss words.’ His easy laugh loosened something in Tom’s gut.
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